RADIO
Can you believe it, RotoBallers? We're almost past the All-Star break! I hope you all enjoyed a very entertaining game and are getting geared up for the second half of the season and the trade deadline.
As the deadline approaches, it's natural to consider which players may benefit from a change of scenery. There are different reasons why a player might like a change, such as if their early years in the majors didn't go as planned, if they're a pitcher dealing with a hitters' park, or if they don't feel like they fit in with their current clubhouse.
Change can be difficult; it's tough to admit you are struggling or that your current situation isn't right. Let's see who might benefit the most from a new environment.
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Max Scherzer, SP - New York Mets
Max Scherzer is looking for another World Series win, and it's not going to happen with the Mets, at least not this year. Scherzer's 2.29 ERA with the Mets last year is well below his current 4.31 ERA. His current 27.6% K rate is nothing to sneeze at, but still below his 30.6% rate from last year.
Scherzer's no-trade clause and huge contract make a trade difficult. Rumors abound that Scherzer would once again waive his no-trade clause if the Mets are looking to sell and if he could go to a team that could contend. Scherzer prefers to stay and win with the Mets, but that trade door could open if things don't turn around.
Juan Soto, OF - San Diego Padres
When Washington traded Soto to the Padres in the middle of 2022, his career stats as a National saw him slashing .291/.427/.538 with a .966 OPS and a 154 wRC+. In his career with the Padres, he has a .255/.408/.446 slash line with a 140 wRC+. In the last 10 games, he is slashing .250/.389/.404, and in the last five, .125/.333/.188.
I just threw a lot of stats at you, but the bottom line is that he is not the Juan Soto we know from his time with the Nationals. Drafted by the Nats and starting his career in DC, he became a fan favorite. After a tumultuous trade process where Soto claimed that the Nats leaked numbers from negotiations (they denied this), he was finally dealt to the Padres. Told the news, Soto broke down in tears, needing to be consoled by his teammates.
Soto loves the game of baseball and the lights and attention that comes with it. He also loves the feeling of belonging. His relationship with the city, his teammates, and his fans are important to him. The pressure from the city and fans is relentless right now and certainly contributing to his ongoing struggles.
During the All-Star game, Derek Jeter expressed a desire to see the Yankees try to go and get Soto. The Yankees need offense, and Soto could use a change and a mental shift to help bring him back to his Nationals days of batting. Bright lights and a big, new city could be exactly what Soto needs.
Lucas Giolito, SP - Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are open for business and will be active sellers leading up to the trade deadline on August 1. Upcoming free agent Giolito is expected to be in demand on the trade market, with the Reds and Rangers showing interest in the right-hander.
Giolito doesn't want to leave Chicago, but since the White Sox will most likely not be vying for a spot in the playoffs this year, and he'll be a free agent in 2024, moving to a contender makes a lot of sense. His history with Chicago and contract negotiations between Giolito and the White Sox have been rocky, to say the least. Moving to a team that wants him and believes he can contribute to their success would be a refreshing change for Giolito.
Gleyber Torres, 2B - New York Yankees
The Yankees already tried to trade Torres to the Marlins last year, and he could once again be a possible trade option for the Bombers come the trade deadline. Torres' bat can be elite, yet he has been inconsistent. His base running and issues on defense are creating more attention than any successes with his bat.
Torres will be a free agent after the 2024 season, and it makes sense for the Yankees to trade him now in order to get a good return. Mental mistakes have certainly been contributing to errors in the field, and getting out of New York and the pressures from the team, fans, and media, could be just what Torres needs to get back on track.
Kyle Schwarber, OF - Philadelphia Phillies
After a hot start, the Phillies and their veteran leadoff hitter have struggled. Last year, Schwarber slashed .218/.323/503 with a 128 wRC+. This year, he is slashing .184/.313/.423 with a 98 wRC+. The Phillies are slashing .252/.305/.411 with a 91 wRC+ and are 12 games back in the NL East.
In June, the lefty veteran had a .223 batting average with 23 hits, eight homers, and 16 RBI. There are several teams out there who could use a DH, including the Rangers, Mariners, and Cubs. The Phillies could use shaking up, and Schwarber could use a fresh start where his bat can get back on track, and he can contribute to a team that can contend.
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